An Additional Sessions Court in Indore has convicted and sentenced five lawyers from Ujjain for the attempted murder of a journalist who was scheduled to appear as a witness in a case back in 2009. While sentencing the accused, the court observed that lawyers, as experts in the law, have a heightened duty to uphold the rule of law, and their act of attacking a witness within the “temple of justice” was a grave offence.
Additional Session Judge Shrikrishna Dagliya sentenced advocates Dharmendra Sharma, Shailendra Sharma, Bhavendra Sharma, and Purshottam Rai to seven years of rigorous imprisonment. A fifth accused, 90-year-old Surendra Sharma, was given a three-year ordinary prison sentence in consideration of his advanced age. The court also imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on each of the convicted individuals.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to February 10, 2009, when journalist Ghanshyam Patel had gone to the Ujjain court to testify as a witness in a pending matter. According to former judge-turned-advocate Ashok Kumar Sharma, who spoke to reporters, the accused lawyers had previously threatened Mr. Patel with severe consequences if he were to depose against them.
On the day of the incident, the five lawyers brutally assaulted Mr. Patel on the court premises. During the attack, they also snatched his licensed revolver, a gold chain, and his watch.
The trial was initially conducted in Ujjain. However, the petitioner filed an application before the High Court, expressing concerns that a fair trial might not be possible in Ujjain. Accepting the plea, the High Court transferred the case to the District Court in Indore for trial.
Court’s Analysis and Decision
In a detailed 120-page judgment, Judge Dagliya condemned the actions of the convicted lawyers. The court underscored the special role advocates play in the justice system and their responsibility to maintain its sanctity.
The court observed, “The incident took place in the court premises. It is the duty of every citizen to follow the rule of law, especially of lawyers who are experts in law.”
Highlighting the gravity of the offence, the judgment further stated, “It was expected from the accused, who know the law, that they should maintain the rule of law. But all five accused tried to murder Patel, and that too at a place which is called a temple of justice.”
Based on the evidence and testimony, the court found the five accused guilty of the charges and handed down the sentences.
